According to a statement released from online game publisher Funcom, players of its The Secret World MMO are no longer required to pay a subscription fee. All of the features and storylines found within the game, which is available for purchase online and in retail stores, are now available to all players who purchase the game.

"With this recent change there is no reason not to join and take part in The Secret World," says Game Director Joel Bylos. "Most players end up having a ton of fun once they delve into the myths and legends of The Secret World, and we believe the game has the potential to be even more successful without the subscription entry barrier. It is an ambitious and very exciting move for us."

Even though the subscription requirement for the game has been removed, there is still an optional membership option available which provide in-game bonuses such as the 'Time Accelerator' item that grants double experience gain for one hour each day, a fixed 10% discount to everything in the in-game store, and so on.

The Secret World is developed by Funcom and co-published by EA Partners, a division of Electronic Arts.